Annie Mulligan / For The Herald
Everett Citizen Police volunteer John Chatterton checks on Everett homes as part of his duties. Chatterton, of Arlington, has been volunteering with the EPD for four years.
Photo taken 030613

Annie Mulligan / For The Herald
Everett Citizen Police volunteer Yvonne Hoover calls in her location while checking on Everett homes with partner John Chatterton in Everett. The EPD is currently looking for more citizen volunteers to keep the program efficient. Volunteers monitor speed conditions, check on homes while people are on vacation and various other tasks.

Annie Mulligan / For The Herald

Everett citizen police volunteer John Chatterton collects speed data with his partner, Yvonne Hoover, on Colby Avenue on March 6 in Everett. Police use the data to better monitor Everett streets. The police department is looking for more volunteers to help with the citizen force. Volunteers collect speed data, check on vacation homes and drive a new hybrid SUV while on duty.

Annie Mulligan / For The Herald
Everett Citizen Police volunteer John Chatterton checks on Everett homes as part of his duties. Chatterton, of Arlington, has been volunteering with the EPD for four years.
Photo taken 030613

Annie Mulligan / For The Herald
Everett Citizen Police volunteer Yvonne Hoover calls in her location while checking on Everett homes with partner John Chatterton in Everett. The EPD is currently looking for more citizen volunteers to keep the program efficient. Volunteers monitor speed conditions, check on homes while people are on vacation and various other tasks.

Annie Mulligan / For The Herald

Everett citizen police volunteer John Chatterton collects speed data with his partner, Yvonne Hoover, on Colby Avenue on March 6 in Everett. Police use the data to better monitor Everett streets. The police department is looking for more volunteers to help with the citizen force. Volunteers collect speed data, check on vacation homes and drive a new hybrid SUV while on duty.

EVERETT -- The Everett Police Department needs volunteers.The department counted about a dozen active volunteers in 2012, Sgt. Jeraud Irving said."We're trying to boost it up," he said.The volunteer program is more than two decades old, he said. Most department volunteers are retired folks, but anyone 21 and up can apply.Everett police volunteers check on people's homes while they're away on vacation. They also use radar equipment to gather speeding data in areas with potential problems, among other activities."Our main focus is to provide eyes and ears for the police department," Irving said.Volunteers' hours can vary, but the department asks for at least 16 hours a month. Volunteers also spend time with local police officers and make new friends in a team-building environment, Irving said. They provide additional customer-service to Everett residents, too."EPD is a progressive department that's growing," he said. "It would be a benefit to be able get out and help the community and give back a little bit more."Volunteers also are thanked with an annual awards dinner. They logged more than 2,400 volunteer hours last year.For more information, call 425-257-7519 or email jirving@everettwa.gov. Applicants must pass a background check. They don't have to live within city limits.Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.

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